Love It, Flip It! How to Make a Reversible Quilted Pillow Cover
Ever find yourself with extra quilt blocks and no clue what to do with them? Maybe they’re test blocks from a new design, leftovers from a quilt where you got a little too excited cutting fabric and made too many blocks, or that UFO project you’ve lost all motivation to finish. Well, here’s the perfect way to give those blocks a new purpose—turn them into a reversible pillow cover!
This clever design lets you switch up your decor with just a flip—one side for one vibe, the other for a completely different look! Use matching blocks in different seasonal prints (Hello! Autumn to Christmas in a snap!), mix and match colors to complement different rooms, or go bold with totally different blocks on each side. Best of all? No extra storage space needed for off-season pillows!
To keep things simple, the best blocks for this project have the same unit layout—think 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 grids. The blocks don’t have to be the same, but should have the same grid layout. Choose two blocks (or dig some out of your UFO pile!) that finish at 16″ x 16″, 18″ x 18″, or 20″ x 20″, and let’s turn them into something fabulous!
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
16” x 16” Size
(2) 16 ½” x 16 ½” unfinished quilt blocks
½ yard coordinating fabric for pillow back
¼ yard binding
½ yard fusible fleece
18” x 18” Size
(2) 18 ½” x 18 ½” unfinished quilt blocks
⅝” yard coordinating fabric for pillow back
¼ yard binding
⅝ yard fusible fleece
20” x 20” Size
(2) 20 ½” x 20 ½ unfinished quilt blocks
⅝” yard coordinating fabric for pillow back
¼ yard binding
⅝ yard fusible fleece
OTHER
Hand-sewing needle and matching thread
Optional – embroidery floss, perle cotton thread, or sashiko thread, and needle
CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
16” x 16” Size
From the pillow back fabric, cut (2) 16 ½” x 18 ½” rectangles.
From the binding fabric, cut (2) 2 ½” x WOF strips.
From the fusible fleece, cut (2) 16 ½” x 16 ½” squares.
18” x 18” Size
From the pillow back fabric, cut (2) 18 ½” x 20 ½” rectangles.
From the binding fabric, cut (3) 2 ½” x WOF strips.
From the fusible fleece, cut (2) 18 ½” x 18 ½” squares.
20” x 20” Size
From the pillow back fabric, cut (2) 20 ½” x 22 ½” rectangles.
From the binding fabric, cut (3) 2 ½” x WOF strips.
From the fusible fleece, cut (2) 20 ½” x 20 ½” squares.
SEWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to adhere the fusible fleece to the wrong side of each quilt block.
- Quilt both quilt blocks as desired; they do not have to be quilted the same.
- Lay the quilted blocks wrong sides together.
4. Using a hand-sewing needle and thread, tack the (2) blocks together at matching corner seams: Run the needle through one corner seam on the top block. Lift the block and find that same corner seam on the second block. Take a small stitch, then run back through the top near the same entry point, but not in it. Repeat for a second stitch. Tie off on the top, then hide the knot by taking a large stitch and carefully pulling the knot under the top layer of fabric. Thread the second loose thread end in your needle and take a large stitch under the top layer. Trim the threads so the ends and knot are completely hidden under the top. Repeat for each corner seam and/or different spots along seam lines.
a. Options: Use embroidery floss or thicker thread to tack the blocks together, then tie off and trim leaving ½” ends of thread on one side of the sandwiched blocks.
b. Hand sew the blocks together using large decorative embroidery or sashiko stitches.
5. Stitch around the edges of the two sandwiched blocks using an ⅛” seam allowance.
6. Fold (1) pillow back rectangle in half lengthwise. (The height of the rectangle should match the height and width of your quilt blocks.) Press. Top stitch ¼” from the fold. Repeat for the second rectangle.
7. One side of your sandwiched quilt blocks will have binding that shows. Lay the quilt blocks so that the side you want to match your binding is face down. Lay (1) pillow back on top with the (3) edges aligned and the fold towards the center. Lay the second pillow back on the opposite side, aligning edges and the fold towards the center. Pin or clip, then sew the pillow backs to the blocks around the edges using an ⅛” seam allowance.
8. Bind using your preferred method.
9. Stuff with a pillow insert and enjoy! When you’re ready for a new look, just turn the pillow cover with the other side out, push out the corners (they will be somewhat rounded) and refresh your decor!
Need a pillow insert?
- Cut (2) pieces of solid fabric or muslin that are 1” larger than the size needed for your pillow.
- Lay the pieces RST and match edges.
- Sew around the edge of the pieces using a ½” seam allowance, leaving a 4″ opening, and backstitch at both ends.
- Clip the corners and turn the insert right sides out. Turn the edges of the opening in and even with the seam press the edges. Fill with polyester fiberfill, then sew the opening closed by topstitching ⅛” from the edge and backstitching at both ends.
- Your pillow insert is ready to stuff inside your pillow cover!
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